Ulua Beach Wailea Maui
A prime Wailea beach known for its accessible snorkeling, soft golden sands, and spectacular sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking
Ulua Beach Wailea Maui
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A prime Wailea beach known for its accessible snorkeling, soft golden sands, and spectacular sunset views.
"This may be our favourite beach in Maui. Awesome boogie boarding and decent snorkelling."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up fast! Aim for early morning to secure a spot.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear or rent nearby to explore the reefs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snorkeling Paradise
North end reef
Discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles. Great for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Golden Sands & Sunsets
Main beach area
Enjoy soft, golden sand perfect for sunbathing and a breathtaking backdrop for stunning sunset views.
Wailea Beach Path Access
Adjacent to Wailea resorts
Easily accessible via the scenic Wailea Beach Path, connecting you to other beautiful Wailea beaches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best for Snorkeling & Calm Days
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up fast! Aim for early morning to secure a spot.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear or rent nearby to explore the reefs.
☀️ Seek Shade
While there's some natural shade, consider bringing an umbrella for extra comfort.
🌊 Check Wind Conditions
For the best snorkeling, visit on days with minimal wind.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up fast! Aim for early morning to secure a spot.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear or rent nearby to explore the reefs.
☀️ Seek Shade
While there's some natural shade, consider bringing an umbrella for extra comfort.
🌊 Check Wind Conditions
For the best snorkeling, visit on days with minimal wind.
🚶♀️ Explore the Beach Path
Stroll the Wailea Beach Path for stunning views and access to other beaches.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ulua Beach is highly praised for its excellent snorkeling, beautiful golden sands, and stunning sunset views. Visitors appreciate the convenient access via the Wailea Beach Path and the available amenities like restrooms and showers. However, parking is a significant issue, often filling up very early, and the beach can become crowded.
"This was our first visit to Ulua Beach ,but definitely not our last. It has a good amount of parking spaces. Public restrooms, outdoor shower, and everything is very clean. On the north end take a short climb through some trees and you can go into another Beach. Snorkeling was fun with a fair amount of fish to see. We didn't see any turtles today but I'm sure they're out there. Family friendly, small waves. Nice sandy beach."
dcDalton
"This may be our favourite beach in Maui. Sometime there is awesome boogie boarding and huge waves, but when calm there is some decent snorkelling along the far right reef. There is even some shade if you like!
Bathrooms and showers are available also. No lifeguard here.
Not a lot of parking though and it fills up early"
Scott Van Achte
"Soft sandy beach and a great place to catch the sunset. Good snorkeling and several sea turtles in the area. The coral reefs are worth exploring, underwater visibility picks up the further you are from the sands shores."
Albert Reel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ulua Beach is located in Wailea, South Maui. You can access it via the Wailea Beach Path, which is easily reachable from the resorts in the area. If driving, look for the parking lot off Makena Alanui Road. 
Yes, there is a public parking lot, but it is known to fill up very quickly, especially during peak hours. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended. +1
Absolutely! Ulua Beach is conveniently located along the Wailea Beach Path, making it a pleasant walk from many Wailea resorts.
Use 'Ulua Beach' or 'Wailea Beach Path' in your GPS. The parking lot is off Makena Alanui Road. +1
The beach itself is sandy, but access from the parking lot and the Wailea Beach Path is generally good. Restrooms are also available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ulua Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking is also free, though it can be limited.
Public beaches in Hawaii are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific 'operating hours' for the beach itself.
No advance booking is necessary as Ulua Beach is a public access beach.
No, there is no lifeguard on duty at Ulua Beach. Visitors should exercise caution, especially when swimming or engaging in water sports.
Ulua Beach offers public restrooms, freshwater showers, and a parking lot.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Ulua Beach is renowned for its excellent snorkeling conditions, especially on calm days, and its beautiful golden sand. It's also a great spot for watching sunsets.
Yes, Ulua Beach is generally good for swimming, especially when the waves are small. On calmer days, it's also ideal for boogie boarding. +1
You can expect to see a variety of tropical fish and coral reefs. Sea turtles are also frequently spotted in the area. +1
The beach offers beautiful golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunset views, making it very photogenic. The rocky outcrops also add visual interest.
The beach can get crowded, particularly the parking lot, which fills up early. The beach itself can also be busy, especially during peak tourist seasons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly on Ulua Beach. However, the nearby Wailea resorts offer a range of dining options, from casual to fine dining.
The Wailea area has numerous restaurants within resorts like the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and Grand Wailea. Kihei, a short drive away, offers more casual and local eateries. +1
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Remember to pack out all your trash.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can certainly set up a picnic on the sand.
Wailea offers a diverse culinary scene, including upscale restaurants with ocean views, casual cafes, and bars.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' before sunset offers spectacular light for photography. Early mornings are also great for softer light and fewer crowds. +2
The soft golden sand, the clear turquoise water, the rocky outcrops, and the expansive ocean views are all highly photogenic. Don't miss the sunset!
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local rules. It's best to check current regulations before flying a drone in this area.
The chance to photograph sea turtles while snorkeling or the dramatic cliffs on the north end can provide unique shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. For underwater shots, a waterproof camera or housing is essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Snorkeling here is also a fantastic family activity, as the reef is accessible and often populated with fish that will fascinate kids. However, always supervise children closely, especially near the water, and be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty. Parking can be a challenge, so an early start is recommended to avoid stress.
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
+1The underwater visibility is often excellent, revealing a diverse array of coral and marine life, including frequent sightings of sea turtles. Visiting on a calm morning will provide the best conditions for an immersive snorkeling experience.
📸 Sunset Chasers & Photographers
+1Aim to arrive before the peak sunset time to capture the changing light and find a good vantage point. The reflections on the water and the silhouettes of palm trees add to the picturesque scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Snorkeling at Ulua Beach
To maximize your snorkeling experience, it's best to visit when the ocean is calm, typically in the morning before the winds pick up. The coral formations are diverse and provide a habitat for numerous species. While snorkeling is the main draw, remember that there are no lifeguards, so always prioritize safety and be aware of your surroundings.
For the best underwater views, venture a bit further from the shore where the coral reefs are more developed. Many visitors find the snorkeling here to be a highlight of their Maui trip, offering a chance to connect with the vibrant underwater world.
The Wailea Beach Path Experience
+1Walking the path allows you to easily hop between beaches like Ulua, Mokapu, Wailea, and Polo Beach, each with its own unique charm. It's a fantastic way to explore the diverse coastline of Wailea without needing to move your car. Many visitors enjoy starting their day with a coffee and a walk along this path.
Ulua Beach is conveniently situated along this path, making it an ideal starting or ending point for your exploration. The path is well-maintained and offers a safe and enjoyable way to experience the beauty of South Maui's shoreline.
Sunset Spectacles at Ulua Beach
Many visitors find the sunset experience here to be incredibly serene and romantic. The soft light creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of beach activities. It's a popular time for couples and photographers alike.
While the sunsets are a major draw, remember that parking can still be an issue even in the late afternoon. Consider arriving a bit early to secure a good viewing spot and enjoy the transition from day to night.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit